/
“Ppo-dong!”
Ppodong jumped off. He landed on his plump belly. An object that was caught between his fat belly and the floor was badly crushed.
Crack!
The walnut’s shell got crushed. Ppodong smiled brightly as he took out the kernels between the crushed shell.
“Ppo-dong? Ppo-do-dong. Ppo-dong.”
“Delicious?”
“Ppo-dong!”
Ppodong packed the walnut kernels inside his cheek pockets at the speed of light. Lloyd laughed at the sight.
“Do you want some more?”
“Ppo-dong!”
“Should I break the shell and give it to you?”
“Ppo-dong? Ppo-do-dong!”
“Yeah. Wait a minute.”
Lloyd gripped the walnut in his right hand. Then he stretched out and held up his left hand. After that, he tried to do the Asrahan Core Technique.
‘Phew.’
His heart beat as he took a breath. A tiny beat produced a suction force. The suction force flowed to his left hand.
The surrounding energy was drawn through his open palms. It was natural mana that spread throughout the air.
‘Oh, it’s working.’
Of course, the force wasn’t that big. The mana that spread in the air just got slightly dragged. Moreover, his Asrahan Core Technique was only a single circle and at beginner stage right now. However, that was enough.
Whirr!
He drew the mana he had drawn with his left hand to the outside of his heart. And rotated it alongside the single circle around the heart. The mana in the circle was amplified. He sent the amplified mana to his right hand. The walnut was gripped using the additional power on his original grip strength.
“Uuu…ghh!”
Crack!
The walnut’s hard shell was crushed.
‘Whoa, there we go.’
Breaking walnuts with bare hands. In the past, I wouldn’t even dare to think about it. Feeling joyful about the success, I gave Ppodong a walnut kernel.
“Now, here.”
“Ppo-dong!”
“Do you like it?”
“Ppo-do-dong!”
“Yeah, I like it too.”
Now, there was a feeling that I have a body beyond the level of an ordinary person’s physical strength. I felt a bit relieved at that.
‘This is a world where everyone brings a sword.’
This is not South Korea. This is a place where there are Ma Dong Sik-like1I think the author here was referring to Ma Dong Seok (마동석), a South-Korean born American actor, known for his ‘tough guy’ persona roles. Before becoming an actor, he was the personal trainer of mixed martial artists Mark Coleman and Kevin Randleman. bandits who would engrave friendly marks with a sword on your body right when you leave the mansion. But, what if you live without even the slightest ability to protect yourself?
‘You never know when you’ll get killed accidentally by a sword. I absolutely don’t want that. That’s a no-no.’
I thought it was good to learn the Asrahan Core Technique from Javier.
It was then. Knock knock. Someone knocked on the bedroom door.
“Lloyd-nim? Are you there?”
A peculiar cynical voice tone. It was Javier. Lloyd grinned.
I stood up and opened the bedroom door. As expected, Javier was standing in front of the door.
“You’re not a good and gentle man either. Come in.”
“What do you mean?”
“Nothing. Did you do what I told you to do?”
“I’m on my way back from reporting to the Lord.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes.”
“The baron didn’t say anything?”
“Are you asking if he mentioned something in particular?”
“Uh-huh.”
“He did.”
“What did he say?”
“Sir Neumann wished me luck.”
“Well, you do need to be lucky. The same with Sir Neumann from now on.”
Sir Neumann. When I thought of him, mocking laughs continued to pour out. At the same time, I remembered what had happened a few days ago. The day I dueled with him and exposed his betrayal.
‘He’s lucky, too.’
No, in this case, should I say that he was extremely unlucky?
To begin with, Sir Neumann didn’t die. He showed off his strong vitality that could withstand being crushed by the belly of giant Ppodong.
However, the price of saving his life was huge. He suffered massive fractures on dozens of his bones all over his body.
The scene looked so terrible. It looked like a half-dried squid from the dried fish section that got thrown and stuck on the floor. Even the fief doctor, who examined his condition, shook his head.
‘Oh my, this is not what living is. Even if you’re lucky enough to be cured by heaven, you will never be able to live as a human being like others. Walking and standing will be impossible. And, you can only barely swallow the porridge others feed you until you die.’
…. That was the doctor’s diagnosis. And, Sir Neumann was banished out of the territory today after days of treatment, barely surviving the crisis.
“Well, at least he’s been banished with his family altogether, so he won’t die right away.”
“Probably.”
That wasn’t all. Sir Ulrich and Sir Conte, who usually followed Sir Neumann, were also banished together like a set menu. They got the tendons of one hand and one foot cut off as their punishment.
‘They won’t be able to wield a sword for the rest of their life. It’s a little unfortunate, but the establishment of discipline within the territory is thus a success.’
In the novel, they were the ones who would turn their backs on this territory anyway. Not only would I be distracted if I forgive them, but they would harm me if left alone.
So, I wanted to get rid of them early. And today, that goal was achieved. I felt relieved.
“Thanks to that, you’re now the deputy commander. Now, Sir Asrahan? How do you feel?”
“I don’t feel anything particular.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes.”
“Why is that?”
“Because there’s only two knights remaining in this territory, me and Sir Bayern.”
“Um, do you feel lonely?”
“….”
“Tsk. I see. Our Javier is bored because he doesn’t have any friends. I see.”
“Of course not….”
“I know. I understand. That’s life, I guess.”
“Lloyd-nim.”
“What? Why? What? What are you going to do with that serious face?”
“….”
“Do you have anything to say to me?”
From what I noticed, it seemed that was the case.
As expected, Javier nodded. “Yes. I do have something I want to ask you.”
“What is it?”
“That hamster.”
Javier’s hand pointed to Ppodong, who was hovering over the walnut kernels on the desk.
His expression became serious. His eyes became more cautious. This made Lloyd a little nervous.
What the hell is he trying to ask with such stern and serious demeanor?
‘What? Are you doubting my summon?” That possibility occurred to me. It was a fairly likely story.
‘I mean, I intentionally have been carrying a basic summoning magic book on my side for a month, but that alone seemed to be not enough to avoid suspicion.’
Summoning magic is also magic. So, what if I’m not considered a prodigy? It won’t make any sense if I’m able to use summoning techniques with a month of self-study.
‘Well, what can I do? Tell him honestly about the RP system or the  Random Summon of Phantom Species? You wouldn’t believe it even more. That’s why I have to insist.’
It’s true that he had succeeded in being self-taught. This is how I have to insist. Lloyd thought so while waiting for Javier’s question.
Javier, who had been taking his time with his serious expression, opened his mouth, “What should I call him?”
“…. Huh?”
“I want to know his name.”
“No way. His name?”
“Yes.”
“That’s what you’re curious about?”
“That’s right. Because Lloyd-nim summoned him, after all.”
“Aha, you’re going to see him often, so you want to know his name?”
“That’s right.”
“Then, why did you set the atmosphere like that for no reason?”
“Pardon?”
“…. Sigh. It’s Ppodong. His name. There you go.”
“Did you say, Ppodong?”
“Uh-huh.”
“Hmm. It’s a shabby name compared to its giant grandeur.”
“But I’m the one who gave him a name?”
“…. creating a humble name is the basis of camouflage that can catch the enemy off-guard. It’s a good name.”
“For real?”
“….”
“Blah-blah. Nevermind. I’m not the one who named him. But it’s true that Ppodong is his name.”
“Then, I’ll….”
“Call him yourself.”
“I understand. Sir Ppodong?”
Javier made eye contact with Ppodong. Ppodong, who was hovering over walnut kernels, raised his head.
“Ppo-dong?”
“My name is Javier Asrahan. I’m a knight who escorts Lloyd-nim. I’m looking forward to working with you.”
“Ppo-dong!”
Javier’s long finger and Ppodong’s small paw met to shake hands.
Lloyd yawned.
“Have you finished your conversation?”
“Yes.”
“Then, shall we get out of here? I’ve been waiting for you to leave together because I had some business.”
“Do you mean with me?”
“Uh-huh. You’re my escort anyway. Much stronger than me.”
“That’s….”
“Okay. Everyone’s hiding their skills to some extent, isn’t that right?”
“….”
Javier was surprised. Lloyd grinned.
Javier had already reached the High Level SWord Expert. At first, I thought he wasn’t fully aware of his level. I had no choice but to. Because that’s how it was portrayed in the [Iron-Blooded Knight] novel.
‘But, when I actually saw it from the sidelines, it was a little different. It’s different from reading novels.’
Javier and I quarreled every day. As I learned swordsmanship from Javier, I could look at him closely and realize. Javier has an accurate understanding of his own level. He’s just been hiding his skills.
Why? I didn’t know yet. I could only guess.
‘The youngest knight is on the verge of becoming a Sword Master. The mere discovery of his existence will cause chaos.’
For instance, getting scolded by superiors such as Sir Neumann because of jealousy is a small consequence. As for the big consequence, it could be in the form of endless and constant recruitment attempts by nearby Lords. Because of such disturbance, it is certain that Baron Frontera would’ve to put up with it.
‘He didn’t want to cause trouble like that. It’s also an effort to keep his loyalty to the baron.
He is a typical great man. He’s talented and his personality is impeccable.
“Anyway, let’s go out. The sun will set at this rate.”
I stood up from my seat. As expected, Javier looked a little bit relieved. He didn’t want to continue this topic right now. In fact, I was the same.
‘I’m keeping your secrets. So don’t mention your questions about my shoveling.’
I repeat, he’s a genius in swordsmanship. There’s no way such a man could fail to grasp the true nature of bayonet technique which has a long history.
‘At least, you would’ve noticed that for a beginner like me, that technique wasn’t something created from me fooling around.’
Martial arts and sports can be comprehended as deep as your knowledge about it. When I think about boxing mixed with martial arts, I’m certain of this. When I didn’t know about boxing, watching boxing matches was so boring. Throughout the match, mixed martial arts were applied.
Nevertheless, what about after I actually learned boxing in high school? After I learned jujitsu in a club at university? Everything changed.
The boxing match, which was like a sleeping pill, became so much fun.
The ground fight in a martial art scene, which was seen only as a public battle on the floor, became an exciting jackpot.
All of this was because what I can see increased as much as my knowledge.
Then, what about Javier, the genius and the greatest swordsman of all time in history? Naturally, he would understand most of the bayonet’s characteristics which I used.
‘Yes, I can’t avoid that. Nonetheless, I’m still trying to figure him out. I’ll keep his secret if he keeps his mouth shut.’
I looked at Javier meaningfully. Did he realize my intentions? Javier gently stood up alongside me.
“… Let’s go. I’ll escort you.”
So, I left the bedroom with Javier.
Outside the mansion, I often encountered the fief residents as I walked. However, their reactions were quite different from before.
In the past, they used to rush to the side of the road as soon as we ran into each other. They bowed their heads in fear of making eye contact.
But, not anymore.
A woman greeted me with a friendly smile. It was the same woman who was terrified until her hands were trembling on the first day I possessed Lloyd’s body.
It wasn’t just her. A farmer openly smiled and inquired, “Excuse me, Young Master? When will the construction of my ondol room be possible?”
“Huh?”
Lloyd could clearly remember. This farmer, who was in front of him, had his complexion turned pale when I encountered him on the first day of the possession. While touching his chin, Lloyd asked back.
“Oh, umm. I can’t remember very well, but where is your house located?”
“To the left of the rock which is located at the entrance of Oak Forest Valley.”
“Oh, there. Let’s see. In terms of the order of sale contract,  it’s going to be next.”
“Then, when will the construction begin…?”
“Given the circumstances, in about 15 days? So wait a little longer. It’s still spring anyway.”
“But, the wind is still cold.”
“Then, should I give you a hug? It’ll be completely warm?”
“Tha, that’s not it.”
“No? Thank God. I don’t like it either. It gives me goosebumps.”
“Anyway, um, please take good care of me, Young Master.”
“Okay. Don’t forget to pay the construction fee.”
“Will you be there?”
“Yes. I understand, now I’ll go first,”
Lloyd managed to barely separate himself from the farmer who got stuck to him and take a few steps away.
‘Sigh. I feel like I became a part of them abruptly.’
From a few days ago, the resident’s gaze and attitude had changed completely from before.
‘The look in their eyes when they look at me is so bright. It feels like welcoming the bus driver when I was playing a game.’
A bitter smile abruptly bloomed on my lips. I’ve gotten an idea why they’re doing that. Still, I wanted to check at least once.
“Hey.”
I asked Javier who was by my side.
“What’s wrong with everybody? Didn’t they hate me openly before?”
“Well, they used to.”
“Used to?”
“Yes.”
“Then, what about now?”
As if it was natural, Javier answered.
“It’s the birth of a talented man.”
“A talented man?”
“You’ve defeated a senior knight of the territory with just a month of training. Of course they didn’t know about the existence of Asrahan Core Technique, so it looked even more amazing. You exposed a senior knight’s treachery and showed a shocking summoning magic in front of everyone.”
“…. Um, it’s kind of embarrassing when you list all of them together. In short, do they think that I am a talented man in both swordsmanship and summoning skill?”
“That’s right.” Javier, who nodded, continued. “Of course it must be very welcome from the residents’ perspective. The irredeemable human being, who only drank alcohol every day and caused trouble, was being so capable that they wondered if you’re still the same person.”
“….”
“The future lord has transformed from a grim human scum who cannot be rehabilitated into a talented man out of the blue. The fief residents of course will cheer and rejoice.”
“Oh, that one, that’s a compliment, right?”
“Yes. You’re correct.”
“But, isn’t it rather weighty for a compliment?”
“What do you mean by weighty?”
“I’m afraid I got stabbed in my solar plexus by the fact that is enough to reach 170 mph.”
“What do you mean by 170 mph?”
“Oh, my bone is broken. You bone-breaker expert.”
“…..”
Javier stared at me with a look that screamed ‘what the hell are you talking about?’. However, even that expression looked as cool and elegant as a painting.
‘Yeah, that must be nice. To be so handsome.’
Good at fighting, great personality, perfect-looking.
Lloyd grumbled at the real-life version of his mum’s friend’s son, whose rumors were lush, but had no substance2I think this is a dig at Asian culture where your mom usually compares you to his friend’s child who is better than you in many aspect. However, sometimes their abilities got exaggerated because the moms are the ones who actually competes..
“Have you looked at everything? Then get out of my way. Let me survey the place.”
“What do you mean by survey?”
“From here to there.” Lloyd pointed at the ground with his hand. From the entrance of the mansion to the other side, through the territory to the foot of the eastern mountain.
While looking around the place, Lloyd already activated his survey and design skills.
Examine the terrain, grasp all of the information in detail, and overlay the blueprint of the desired design he wanted to build using the information that had been identified. Thanks to these, some future images of this place, which are yet to be built, were slightly visible to him.
“All roads lead to Rome. You’ve never heard of it, have you?”
Lloyd smiled and looked back at Javier. Of course, Javier didn’t know the meaning of his laughter.
The fact that paved roads, which would be the aorta of territorial development, was going to be built in this place. As a result, the Barony of Frontera would become one of the most influential territories in the kingdom.
He couldn’t even imagine about it at all.
That was certainly the case until Lloyd continued his words next.
tl/n: Sorry I’m a little behind the schedule :’)
And, this chapter’s illustration is too cute!
I’d greatly appreciate it if you would buy me a coffee!
1I think the author here was referring to Ma Dong Seok (마동석), a South-Korean born American actor, known for his ‘tough guy’ persona roles. Before becoming an actor, he was the personal trainer of mixed martial artists Mark Coleman and Kevin Randleman.2I think this is a dig at Asian culture where your mom usually compares you to his friend’s child who is better than you in many aspect. However, sometimes their abilities got exaggerated because the moms are the ones who actually competes.